Online Administration Network Track

Charting the Course: Navigating the Complex and Evolving Regulatory Landscape of Online Education
Plaza Ballroom A | Online Administration | Foundational | Tag: Policy
External regulatory compliance is a growing field for administrators in higher education institutions. Compliance is particularly critical for the success of online education programs, where the evolving regulatory framework poses numerous challenges. This session introduces key regulators and recent regulatory changes and the risk of losing Title IV funding due to noncompliance. This session provides a comprehensive overview of recent and proposed federal regulations affecting state authorization, web accessibility, licensure disclosures, online data privacy, and the influence of Title IV. The potential disruption of regulatory authority after Supreme Court case Loper v. Raimondo (overturning Chevron) will also be reviewed.

• Ilona Marie Hajdu, Indiana University
• Sharon Wavle, Indiana University
• Moderator: Ricky LaFosse, University of Michigan

Enhancing Online Education: Integrating Trustworthy AI and Learning Management Systems
Governor's Square 14 | Online Administration | Strategic | Tag: Learner Access, Policy, Faculty
Explore how the University of Toledo and Anthology are integrating AI responsibly into educational settings with the AI Design Assistant and Trustworthy AI Framework. This session will highlight the enhancements in instructional efficiency and student engagement through AI-driven course design and assessment within Blackboard Learn Ultra. Attendees will gain insights into ethical AI deployment, maintaining transparency, and aligning with educational values, preparing them to effectively leverage AI advancements in their own educational practices amidst rapid technological changes.

• Barbara Kopp Miller, University of Toledo
• Justin Louder, Anthology
• Moderator: Jason Smith, Anthology

Roundtable Presentations #1 (Plaza Ballroom BCEF)

A Collaborative Model for Online Program Development within the Purdue University System
Online Administration | Strategic | Tag: Policy, Graduate Education
Purdue University is committed to expanding its online learning offerings to meet evolving workforce needs and student demands. This panel discussion details our innovative, collaborative approach to online program development, aligning with our Online 2.0 strategy. We will introduce a multi-team structure between Purdue University, Purdue Global, and Purdue’s Office of Industry Partnerships designed to identify emerging industry trends, efficiently develop high-quality programs, and strategically position the Purdue University system as a leader in online education.

• Maricel Lawrence, Purdue Global
• Chris Martin, Purdue University Online
• Matthew Wagner, Purdue University

Turning Data into Success: UTSA’s Winning Strategies for Launching Successful Online Programs
Online Administration | Strategic | Tag: Policy
As online learning skyrockets in popularity, it's crucial to use data-driven decisions to keep our administrative practices sharp and our learners happy. Join us for a peek behind the curtain at UTSA, where we turn numbers into action plans. We’ll share our secret sauce of methodologies, success stories, and ongoing tweaks to support our vibrant student body and stellar faculty. With industry standards being about 60% of new academic programs achieving success within five years, and 20-30% failing to meet enrollment targets, our approach balances risk and reward and strives to push past these industry norms. Key to our success is the seamless cross-collaboration between departments, creating a robust and cohesive online education ecosystem.

• Joshua Buetow, The University of Texas at San Antonio
• Suzana Diaz Rosencrans, The University of Texas at San Antonio
• Melissa Mahan, The University of Texas at San Antonio
• Melissa Vito, The University of Texas at San Antonio

Building the “Internal” OPM
Online Administration | Strategic | Tag: Policy, Faculty, Graduate Education
Many universities see value in the functions that an OPM performs, but the OPM business model continues to raise questions about their role in universities. Some universities are replicating the OPM model to create “internal OPMs” – organizations that accomplish all the major functions of an OPM but avoid the disadvantages of reliance on external third parties whose interest are not as directly aligned to the university mission and budgetary environment. Join us for a discussion about 3 universities that are “going it alone!” The panel will illuminate the essential differences between an internal OPM and online shared services.

• Marc Austin, Augusta University
• Lisa Templeton, Oregon State University
• Jason Lemon, Ohio State University
• Greg Finkelstein, Tyton Partners

Delivering Tangible Job Outcomes with Skills-Based Education Pathways
Plaza Ballroom D | Online Administration | Strategic | Tag: Policy
This panel delves into delivering skills-based pathways for students that lead to tangible job outcomes, with insights from online high school, university, tech, and higher education leaders. Separately, the panelists’ initiatives provide examples of effective pathways to job outcomes. Together, they weave an ecosystem of job pathways at all education and career stages. Examples include AWS' global tech alliance, Pearson Virtual Schools' college and career readiness initiatives with partners like Coursera and Acadeum, the American Council of Education's application of industry certificates to college degrees, and the University of North Texas's innovative strategies for connecting learning pathways from each of these industry leaders – high school to college to career.

• Craig von Collenberg, Amazon Web Services
• Adam Fein, University of North Texas
• Lorna Bryant, Pearson Virtual Schools
• Michele Spires, American Council on Education
• Moderator: Scot Chadwick, Coursera

Stop & Share Presentations #1 (Plaza Ballroom BCEF)

Elevate Learning and Assessments: AI-Forward Strategies
Online Administration | Foundational
According to EDUCAUSE’s 2024 AI Landscape Study, higher education is “cautiously optimistic” about the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence. Still, institutions like the Georgia Institute of Technology have long since harnessed AI's power to bolster the learning environment through creative programs and strategic partnerships. Join Georgia Institute of Technology and Honorlock as experts discuss meaningful, real-world tips on utilizing AI champions and building innovative learning environments. Learn how to leverage integrity tools to protect the assessment experience, deliver a healthier academic environment, and save faculty valuable time.

• Lachelle Smith, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Jordan Adair, Honorlock

Embracing Today’s Online Administration and Data Tracking
Online Administration | Foundational | Tag(s): Policy, Faculty, Graduate Education
As of 2021, it is estimated that approximately 34% of all higher education students in the United States are enrolled in at least one online course. This percentage has been steadily increasing over the past decade as more universities and colleges offer online learning options to students (Borlund & Schneider, 2021). Join us at the Embracing Today's Online Administration and Data Tracking conference session to harness the power of technology for better educational outcomes. Let's embrace the opportunities that online administration and data tracking offer in advancing our institutions and serving our learners effectively. We look forward to welcoming you to this engaging and informative session.

• Wendy Cooper, Auburn University
• Alaa Abukhazneh, Auburn University

University Program Lifecycle: Developing, Launching and Evaluating an Academic Program Portfolio
Online Administration | Applied | Tag: Policy, Faculty
This session focuses on one institution’s innovative approach to systematically managing academic degree program development and evaluation. Including new program development and launching; Evaluating active programs to determine if it continues as part of the portfolio, is paused, or discontinued. This process demonstrates cross-functional collaboration to support and enhance operational efficiency, mitigation of institutional risk, improve the student and stakeholder experience, and provides the framework used to manage other institutional needs such as Academic Microcreditial offerings, and managing Provost initiatives.

• Hillary Halpern, University of Phoenix
• Chelse Thomas, University of Phoenix

Baylor’s Shift to Inhouse Program Management: Challenges, Opportunities and Successes at Program and Institutional Levels
Plaza Ballroom A | Online Administration | Applied | Tag: Graduate Education
Transitioning oversight and operations of online graduate and professional degree programs from an online program management company to in-house support can be challenging yet rewarding. This session offers a behind-the-scenes look at Baylor University's one-year journey in this transition. From CRM implementation to marketing and student success, learn best practices to navigate your own in-house program management journey. We will feature a case study of how one of our programs – MPH Online - worked with internal stakeholders to lead this transition in the following key areas over the past year: curriculum delivery (learning management system), student support and internship placement, admissions/enrollment and marketing. This session will provide an overview of our process for managing the shifts across the key areas at both program and institutional levels, while highlighting lessons learned and future implications.

• Ebun Ebunlomo, Baylor University
• Jasmine Opusunju, Baylor University
• Kate Blom-Lowery, Baylor University
• Lesa Lawson, Baylor University
• Cece Lively, Baylor University
• Dina Florian, Baylor University

The PCO Dean’s Perspective: Strategies for Driving Innovation in a Traditional Institution
Plaza Ballroom A | Online Administration | Strategic
Higher education is undergoing significant transformation driven by technological innovations, evolving labor markets, and changing student expectations. Leaders of PCO units face the challenge of navigating these changes, including establishing or reorganizing units to promote innovation while operating within traditional structures. Presenters will offer strategies from the Dean’s perspective, by sharing insights on areas for improvement, and facilitating discussions on effective and ineffective practices. Topics will encompass leveraging resources, capitalizing on partnerships, navigating the political landscape, addressing regulatory considerations, ensuring scalability, generating alternative revenue sources and founding a College/School of PCO. Participants will gain valuable tools to drive sustainable advancements.

• Melissa Lubin, University of Virginia
• Susan Seal, Mississippi State University
• Moderator: Jenni Murphy, California State University, Sacramento

The Power of Change Management and Innovation: Proven Strategies for Online Organizational Transformation
Governor's Square 15 | Online Administration | Applied | Tag: Learner Access, Faculty, Graduate Education
Are you charged with growing online offerings or launching high-profile strategic initiatives? Join seasoned academic innovators to explore change management frameworks and proven approaches for leading online transformation. Attendees will acquire change management and innovation strategies for their campuses, steps for building stakeholder support, evaluating project feasibility, and identifying potential barriers, and learn about “futures literacy,” its importance, and examples to promote foresight within their teams. Mini-case studies of change management challenges at Harvard GSE and Bentley will include strategies for overcoming resource scarcity and launching online non-degree programs with external partners. CUNY SPS will share enrollment growth, expansion of online curricula, improved retention, and better fiscal management achieved through collaborative innovation and cross-divisional effort and strategic business approaches. Attendees will learn strategies for assessing institutional performance, leveraging talent and resources, and guiding better competitive performance. They will leave with specific steps for influencing project success and driving organizational transformation.

• Suzanne Dove, Bentley University
• Lisa Braverman, City University of New York
• Lucas Sifuentes, City University of New York
• Prerna Dar, City University of New York
• Moderator: Kelley Brandt, Boise State University

Update on AI Today and Discussion of AI's Role in the Rest of 2025
Plaza Ballroom D | Online Administration | Foundational
Join this panel of senior leaders for a strategic briefing of the state of AI in higher education, which will include an introduction to the new tool “eduAI Advisor GPT,” and the emerging AI applications in higher education. Following the brief update, panelists will discuss the rollout of AI they see in the coming months of 2025. Topics will include synthetic students, AI agents as instructors, administrative advantages enabled by AI, and an upcoming book fostered by UPCEA, AI Applications in Online Higher Education Administration: Strategies for Maximizing Returns and Improving Outcomes, to be published by Routledge. Attendees will be encouraged to engage in discussions with the panel.

• Ray Schroeder, UPCEA
• Adam Fein, University of North Texas
• Kathleen Ives, UPCEA
• Bettyjo Bouchey, University of Vermont
• Moderator: Meredith Dennis, MindMax

Roundtable Presentations #2

Retention Factors: Online Learner Analysis
Online Administration | Strategic | Tag: Learner Access, Policy
Retaining learners is of the up most importance to online and distance education organizations, especially in our current climate. What factors help us to know what learners will be retained at a higher rate and what learners will need extra support? Factors impacting student persistence do vary with student’s modality. The factors impacting online learners’ retention compared to learners’ taking in-person classes are varied in nature. There are multiple benefits to telling the story of online learners’ retention behavior from an academic institution’s perspective. Institutions can consider best management practices by identifying and assessing different metrices contributing to online learners’ retention behavior. Thus, an institution can improve its retention rate that leads to better student success by providing proper support and identifying at-risk students. Using machine learning algorithms and statistical analysis techniques, we are creating criterion and a set of predictors to help us serve our learners more fully and retain them at a higher rate.

• Alysha Tarantino, Colorado State University
• Rezwanul Parvez, Colorado State University Online
• Amy Quinn-Sparks, Colorado State University Online

Strategies and Best Practices to Build a Culture of Assessment Across the Student Lifecycle: The University of Pennsylvania’s Online BAAS Program
Online Administration | Applied
This session equips practitioners with the knowledge to create a robust culture of assessment with attention to program and career outcomes in online education. We will explore the process of developing and implementing a robust outcomes assessment process in the University of Pennsylvania’s Online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences (BAAS) program. We share strategies to identify student goals and outcomes at different stages of their program, with special attention to student learning outcomes and career readiness. We also will share the overall approach our unit took to develop a robust assessment culture with strong staff participation and distributed leadership.

• Kristine Rabberman, University of Pennsylvania
• Kristin Sowden, University of Pennsylvania

At the Nexus of Online and Faculty Unions: What Have we Learned?
Online Administration | Strategic | Tag: Learner Access, Policy, Faculty, Graduate Education
Whether attendees are in a unionized environment or not, these online leaders will share their lessons learned around communication, transparency, and negotiation towards quality online education at their institutions.

• Bettyjo Bouchey, University of Vermont
• Kimberly Siegenthaler, City University of New York

Online Administration/eDesign Collaborative (Plaza Ballroom D)
Award Presentation: UPCEA Award for Strategic Innovation in Online Education

Internal Online Program Enablement: Next Generation Structures
Governor's Square 16 | Online Administration | Strategic | Tag: Policy, Graduate Education
For those of us providing internal online program “enablement” support across our institutions or systems, it’s clear the environment in which we operate will continue to evolve, just as external OPM constructs have recently morphed. Join our panel of presenters as they share what is working and what still challenges them as they provide internal online program administrative services and support. Attendees will network with others who have found success in funding internal capability expansion, and those who have recently transitioned to fee-for-service models with external OPMs. Attendees will enjoy small group interaction in topics including funding for innovative program launches, awareness marketing pitfalls to avoid, and quality standard adoption.

• Julie Thalman, University of Cincinnati
• Kim Siegenthaler, City University of New York
• Melissa Vito, University of Texas at San Antonio
• Moderator: Stacy Snow, Kennedy & Company

The Next Generation Virtual Classroom: Bring Your LMS Content to Life
Online Administration | Applied
Learn from experts, including Georgia Tech, about advancing from course design to learner experience design with the new Canvas-Class integration. Gain insights into strategies used by Higher Education institutions to enhance online learning. Attendees will benefit from perspectives on innovative approaches and practical implementations shaping the future of online education.

• Clayton Coyne, Class Technologies
• Warren Goetzel, Georgia Institute of Technology

Going Mainstream: Leveraging ROI to Advance Perceptions of Online Learning at a Private Liberal Arts Institution
Online Administration | Applied | Tag: Faculty
Leveraging Vignare et. al’s (2019) return on investment (ROI) for digital learning framework, this session examines the growth of a Summer Online program at a private liberal arts university and its impact on advancing institutional perspectives on online learning. We consider the ROI of the program from the perspective of three key stakeholder groups: students, faculty, and colleges. Supported by quantitative and qualitative data gathered over 10 years, we argue that the tangible and intangible ROI for our key stakeholders has helped shift online learning from the periphery to the mainstream at our institution.

• Sonia Howell, University of Notre Dame

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing
Online Administration | Strategic
The increased demand for online learning is a great thing for enrollment, but how do teams manage to keep up with a fixed budget and staff? You have to keep the main thing the main thing and learn to say "no" to anything that threatens to steal your focus. In this session, learn how the Online Learning team at the University of Louisville was able to exceed enrollment goals despite limited funds by influencing the online program approval process and redirecting resources (human and financial) to focus on online programs that have market demand and agree to meet quality standards.

• Kristen Brown, University of Louisville

Establishing Best Practices for Data Driven Expansion of Online Programs to Address an Everchanging Market
Governor's Square 10 | Online Administration | Applied
This workshop provides a framework for online program development that brings stakeholders together for collaborative, informed, and data-driven decision making to build academic programming that meets the needs of learners, industry, and institutions. Our multifaceted approach to this workshop includes research, mission and value alignment, enrollment and financial projections, stakeholder engagement and feedback, student services alignment, and strategic program launch. This workshop allows participants to identify and discuss strategies for collaboration with academic partners across all areas, from faculty to administrators to support staff.

• Brittany Logue, Colorado State University
• Greg Weaver, Colorado State University
• Maurice Ombogo, Colorado State University
• Moderator: Amber Smallwood, Univrersity of North Texas Health Center

One Campus, Many Paths: A Collaborative Approach to Student Integration
Governor's Square 15 | Online Administration | Strategic | Tag: Policy, Faculty, Graduate Education
Collaboration across functional areas is essential for achieving our goals, particularly in adapting opportunities to support online students and enhancing efforts to attract and retain them, regardless of degree path. In an upcoming joint presentation by two institutions, we will share a collaborative model for onboarding programs, focusing on how to weave university culture into every student experience, irrespective of modality, highlighting narratives unique to each institution. As we navigate credit and noncredit pathways, legacy systems can hinder the student experience. We will also highlight efforts to foster collaboration and break down silos, creating an integrated onboarding experience that meets the needs of today’s lifelong learners and supports their diverse educational journeys.

• Patty Milner, University of Arkansas
• Eve Canty, University of Arkansas
• Natalie Wittmann, Ohio University
• Kathy Wilson, Ohio University
• Moderator: Robyn Hammontree, Noodle

Navigating Organizational Structures: Centralized vs. Matrix Models for Online Education
Plaza Court 2-3 | Online Administration | Strategic | Tag: Faculty, Graduate Education
In the rapidly evolving landscape of online education, selecting the right organizational structure is essential for success. This session will explore two distinct approaches: Purdue University’s matrix model, which combines central oversight with decentralized flexibility, and Tulane University’s centralized strategy, which emphasizes streamlined leadership and operations. Participants will gain both theoretical insights and practical best practices from each institution’s journey, along with lessons learned that can be applied in their own contexts. Join us for an engaging discussion that will equip you with strategies to enhance online education at your institution, no matter which model resonates most with your goals.

• Jason Fish, Purdue University
• Chris Martin, Purdue University
• Kady Lamb, Tulane University
• Iliana Kwaske, Tulane University
• Melanie Andrich, Archer Education

Sneak Peek! The Chief Online Learning Officers’ Guidebook: A Framework for Strategy and Practice in Higher Education Coming 2026
Plaza Ballroom D | Online Administration | Strategic | Tag: Policy
Hear from the co-authors of The Chief Online Learning Officers’ Guidebook (Routledge 2025) on key themes and messages that emerged in completing the book project. The discussion will include representative perspectives from some of the 50+ COLOs and friends who contributed the book, as well as some behind-the-scenes commentary on designing and implementing this highly-anticipated book that assembles today’s leading voices on digital and online learning.

• Jocelyn Widmer, Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Thomas Cavanagh, University of Central Florida
• Moderator: Julie Uranis, UPCEA